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Wednesday, 3 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 879-906

Health Services Provision

Questions (879)

Noel Grealish

Question:

879. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of applications that have been made to the HSE for access to the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring devices other than children and young adults four to 21 years of age by consultant endocrinologists or a member of their team in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the number of applications that were deemed successful in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/21]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (880)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

880. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a person who has received the Covid-19 vaccine in full and is in receipt of proof of same is exempt from public health Covid restrictions and can move beyond designated travel distance barriers; and if they are allowed to leave the State for non-essential reasons. [5921/21]

View answer

Written answers

It is not yet understood whether available vaccines prevent vaccinated persons from being infected or  transmitting the disease to others.  As such, the impact vaccinations will have on travel policies internationally is yet to be determined.  The WHO has continues to caution governments against introducing immunity passports at this time.

The Government gives continuing consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (881)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

881. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when consideration will be given to making the Covid-19 vaccine available for funeral directors and undertakers in view of the nature of their work in the context of the distribution of vaccine nationwide. [5923/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (882)

Peter Burke

Question:

882. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the guidelines for front-line healthcare workers who are currently pregnant and carrying out their roles in hospitals; if they are being rostered to areas in which there is a reduced exposure to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5932/21]

View answer

Written answers

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy on this matter in relation to public health sector employees.

Hospital Staff

Questions (883)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

883. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointment of a senior clinician (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. 

Question No. 884 answered with Question No. 696.

Health Services Provision

Questions (885)

Réada Cronin

Question:

885. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the date for the reopening of a service (details supplied) given the critical role it plays in sexual health for members of the LGBT+ community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5942/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Gay Men's Health Service is a community STI service and is managed through HSE Community Healthcare East (CHO6).

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented interruption to normal healthcare activity, with all services affected. The closure of the GMHS related primarily to the necessary redeployment of increasing numbers of personnel to diverse COVID-19 related duties. Since the closure, significant efforts have been made to maintain service provision.   

Wave 3 of the pandemic has increased the strain on the health service. The unprecedented surge in Covid-19 infection rates has implications for staffing of these services in terms of necessary redeployment of staff to urgent pandemic related duties including testing, vaccination, contact tracing and patient treatment.  

All health services are again facing restrictions, as the health system needs to prioritise treating those with COVID-19 and rolling out the vaccination programme.

Notwithstanding these pressures, CHO6 are continuing to work to reopen the GMHS on a phased basis. The recruitment of permanent staff is progressing with administration staff in post and IT expansion underway.

Existing PrEP users are now being facilitated in GMHS. The Clinic Consultant and other doctors are providing virtual consultations, and service users attend GMHS for STI screening and blood testing, with support from agency nurses. Those with diagnosed STIs will be treated in GMHS also.

Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the HSE to monitor progress on the reopening of the service.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (886)

Réada Cronin

Question:

886. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will issue clear instructions to those attending Covid test centres that public transport must not to be taken to the site given the threat of virus spread to fellow passengers and public transport workers; if alternative arrangements can be made for them in cases in which persons are dependent on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5943/21]

View answer

Written answers

The HSE has published advice addressing how people should travel to the test centre, which is available through the following link: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/what-happens-during-the-test.html. This advice specifically states that public transport should not be used, and that respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene and social distancing guidelines should be adhered to during the journey if travelling with others or by foot. If an individual has a medical condition which means they are unable to attend a test centre, they can contact their GP who may request a home test, which will be considered based on their medical needs.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (887)

Réada Cronin

Question:

887. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to prioritise vaccination for those living with serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis and end-stage renal disease, classified as very high risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5944/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Health and Social Care Professionals

Questions (888)

Réada Cronin

Question:

888. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will request the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to accede urgently to the request by a society (details supplied) to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment in December 2020 to add this profession to the critical skills occupation list for employment permit purposes given the deficit in physiotherapist numbers, the treatment backlog and the disease impact of both Covid-19 and long Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5945/21]

View answer

Written answers

Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, genuine skills shortage exists rather than recruitment or retention issues and where training and economic development policies are supported. 

The occupations lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review and take account of research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SOLAS) and the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.  Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19. 

Consideration of the submissions received in the most recent review is underway.  A submission has been received from the organisation concerned and will be considered in consultation with the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.  It is expected that the review will be finalised in February 2021.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (889)

David Cullinane

Question:

889. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac diagnostic assessments and cardiac procedures for each carried out at University Hospital Waterford in the catheterisation laboratory at the hospital and at a clinic (details supplied) on behalf of University Hospital Waterford for each month of 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5949/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (890)

David Cullinane

Question:

890. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PPCI, procedures carried out at University Hospital Waterford for the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, by month in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5950/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (891)

David Cullinane

Question:

891. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average numbers waiting and time spent on waiting lists each for a cardiac diagnostic assessment and for a cardiac procedure at University Hospital Waterford by month by zero to three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12 months and over one year in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and for 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5951/21]

View answer

Written answers

It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.

This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.

Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

The data requested by the Deputy has been provided to my Department by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and is outlined in the attached documents. These tables provide details of the number of patients on waiting lists for cardiac diagnostic assessment and for a cardiac procedure at University Hospital Waterford by time-bands for the end of December for each of years 2018, 2019, 2020 and the average wait time for Inpatient and Outpatient categories. The NTPF have advised my Department that data for January 2021 is not currently available. January waiting lists are due to be published by the NTPF in the second week of February 2021.

Waiting Lists

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (892)

Marian Harkin

Question:

892. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to a contact tracing and management system similar to that in Taiwan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5955/21]

View answer

Written answers

Passengers arriving to the State, subject to very limited requirements, are required to complete a COVID-19 passenger locator form and to present evidence of a negative/not detected test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

New substantial quarantine measures have been announced by Government which will require all international travellers to complete a period of mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The drafting of legislation to give effect to quarantine requirements, as well as new legislation on pre-departure testing and the COVID-19 Passenger Locator form are at an advanced stage.

 The Government continues to examine full operationalisation of travel measures announced on 26 January as matter of priority.  

Question No. 893 answered with Question No. 620.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (894)

Martin Browne

Question:

894. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if travellers coming into the country via ports or airports and who have to restrict their movements will be provided with secure transport from the airport to their residence or accommodation in order not to risk the spread of Covid-19 on public transport. [5959/21]

View answer

Written answers

New substantial quarantine measures have been announced by Government which will require all international travellers to complete a period of mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The drafting of legislation to give effect to quarantine requirements, as well as new legislation on pre-departure testing and the COVID-19 Passenger Locator form are at an advanced stage.  The Government continues to examine full operationalisation of travel measures announced on 26 January as matter of priority.  

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (895)

Joan Collins

Question:

895. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the CEO of the HSE has been vaccinated against the Covid-19; if other members of HSE management have been vaccinated in particular those who form part of the HSE senior leadership team and those who are members of the HSE board; if staff members at the HSE headquarters at Dr. Steevens' Hospital building have been vaccinated; and if so, the number (details supplied). [5962/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (896)

Joan Collins

Question:

896. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has been vaccinated against Covid-19; and if members of the Cabinet have been vaccinated (details supplied). [5963/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (897)

Joan Collins

Question:

897. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) has been vaccinated against Covid-19; and if any members of the management of his Department have been vaccinated. [5964/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (898)

Pa Daly

Question:

898. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the priority of pharmacy staff in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan; if he will consider utilising pharmacy staff as a resource in the vaccination teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated (Group 3) are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Dental Services

Questions (899)

Michael Creed

Question:

899. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when a student (details supplied) in County Cork who is on the public waiting list for orthodontic treatment will receive an appointment. [5980/21]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (900)

Duncan Smith

Question:

900. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who arrived in Ireland in each week of January 2021 who did not have a PCR test 72 hours before departure; the number of completed passenger locator forms; the number who received a follow-up call and the nature of the follow-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/21]

View answer

Written answers

Since 9th of January 2021 all passengers arriving into Ireland whose journey originated in either Great Britain or South Africa are required to have a negative/not detected result from a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test carried out not more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. From 16th of January 2021 this requirement was extended to all passengers (except for those arriving from Northern Ireland).

There were a total of 314 PCR breaches between the 9th and 28th of January 2021 inclusive. Please refer to the Department of Justice for any further information in relation to this.

Between 1st and 24th January 86,459 passengers completed a passenger locator form. Passengers who did not claim an exemption were followed up and contacted by text to confirm their address. Where a passenger has not responded to the address verification text, they will be called to verify their place of address. If they are not available at the first call, further attempts may be made to contact each passenger who is in scope for follow up calls, from the information provided 86% of passengers requested to do so confirmed their place of residence.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (901)

Duncan Smith

Question:

901. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if persons arriving at airports and ports here will be subject to a Covid-19 PCR test; if there will be a five-day follow-up PCR test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5985/21]

View answer

Written answers

Effective from 16 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are required to have a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test that was carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.

This is a mandatory requirement. Passengers will be asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane or ferry and will be denied boarding if they cannot produce such evidence.

It is the responsibility of travellers entering Ireland from overseas to ensure that they can meet the current testing requirements.

The following categories of travellers are exempt from requiring a pre-departure test result: International Transport Workers (including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors) travelling in the course of their duties, passengers transiting on to another country without exiting the airport and children aged 6 or younger. 

If a citizen has a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel, they should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate immediately for advice and consular assistance before commencing their journey.

The Government continues to examine full operationalisation of travel measures announced on 26 January as a matter of priority. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (902, 904, 905)

Martin Browne

Question:

902. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the details of the requirements for pharmacists who participate in the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine; if those whose CPR training is not up-to-date can self-declare; if provisions have been made to supply them with additional adrenaline autoinjectors for use in the event of adverse reactions; if consideration has been given to the disposal of items used during or as a consequence of the administration programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5987/21]

View answer

Martin Browne

Question:

904. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE will be providing pharmacists with a standard operation procedure for the Covid-19 administration programme; if not, if they will be asked to devise it themselves or individually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/21]

View answer

Martin Browne

Question:

905. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the storage provisions that will have to be made available to the pharmacists involved in administering the Covid-19 vaccine. [5990/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 902, 904 and 905 together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (903)

Martin Browne

Question:

903. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if pharmacist assistants and other staff members who will be involved in the programme of Covid-19 vaccine administration will be vaccinated alongside pharmacists. [5988/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable. 

The next group to be vaccinated (Group 3) are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in February. 

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Questions Nos. 904 and 905 answered with Question No. 902.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (906)

Martin Browne

Question:

906. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the cost of going to the doctor for persons who do not qualify for the medical or general practitioner visit cards. [5991/21]

View answer

Written answers

Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for the provision of those services. Medical and GP visit card holders are not subject to a charge for GP face to face or phone consultations.

People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis, including non-Covid-19 related face to face and phone consultations. Fees charged by GPs for privately provided services are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and their patients.

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